La Ronde (1950)

In the heart of Vienna, circa 1900, an enigmatic everyman enthralls us as he masterfully steers the carousel of life with a tale as old as time - the quest for love. This omniscient narrator, aware of his existence within the film, shatters the fourth wall and dons an array of disguises, becoming the puppeteer orchestrating a series of intertwined love affairs, all the while ensuring the narrative's fluidity, unimpeded by the whims of individual characters. Our journey commences with Léocadie, a street-smart prostitute, dictating the terms of her impending liaison with Franz, a soldier. A chance encounter at a dance hall leads Franz into the arms of Marie, a chambermaid, who in a twist of fate, finds herself employed by the amorous yet outwardly shy Alfred. An illicit affair sparks between Alfred and Emma Breitkopf, a high society matron, who shares intimate details of their clandestine relationship with her affluent husband, Charles. Charles, in return, partakes in a secretive dinner rendezvous with Anna, a working-class belle, who later, instead of succumbing to Charles' anticipated fantasy, finds herself entangled with Robert Kuhlenkampf, a poet. Robert, in a starstruck moment, connects with Charlotte, a stage actress, who is later visited by an infatuated count, her ardent fan. In a twist of intoxication and fate, the count stumbles into the waiting arms of the same street-wise prostitute, Léocadie, bringing our tale full circle - the carousel of love and life completes its rotation. With this intricate web of relationships and affairs, La Ronde presents a captivating exploration of human desires and the ceaseless pursuit of love. The everyman's narration, laden with wit and wisdom, adds a layer of charm to this enchanting tale of love and life in 1900 Vienna, ensuring that the merry-go-round of passion and desire never ceases to spin.

La Ronde is a comedy movie featuring Adolf Wohlbrück and directed by Max Ophüls.

La Ronde is currently streaming on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.